The Letter Combination "eu" In Standard German

The letter combination "eu" has several pronunciation patterns in German. The sound depends mainly on whether the word is native German, Greek-derived, or a French loanword.

Letter Combination	eu
Name	eu (pronounced /eː uː/)
Common Sound(s)	/ɔʏ/, /øː/, /ø/

The Letter Combination "eu"

Sound 1: /ɔʏ/

In most native German words, "eu" is pronounced /ɔʏ/ (similar to the English "oy" in "boy", but more fronted).

Example

heute → /ˈhɔʏtə/

today

Feuer → /ˈfɔʏɐ/

fire

/ɔʏ/ in Greek-origin words

In many words of Greek origin, "eu" also represents /ɔʏ/, often in scientific or formal vocabulary.

Example

Euthanasie → /ɔʏtanaˈziː/

euthanasia

Sound 2: /øː/ (French loanwords, stressed)

In French loanwords, "eu" is often pronounced /øː/, especially in stressed syllables.

Example

Friseur → /fʁiˈzøːɐ̯/

hairdresser

Regisseur → /ʁeʒiˈsøːɐ̯/

director

Sound 3: /ø/ (French loanwords, unstressed)

In unstressed syllables of French loanwords, "eu" is shortened to /ø/.

Example

neutralisieren → /nøtʁaliˈziːʁən/

to neutralize

Neugier → /ˈnɔʏɡiːɐ̯/

curiosity

Note: Vowel separation in loanwords

In some loanwords, "e" and "u" belong to different syllables and do not form a single letter combination. In these cases, pronunciation follows normal vowel separation rules.

Example

Museum → /muˈzeːʊm/

museum